My car is running great but on the way home this morning it threw a code. Unlike some codes the engine is still running VERY strong.....but I get tired of seeing codes. I'll have it checked out Monday but meanwhile:impatient :impatient :smile: :smile: OK ...I'm cool now just had to vent

 

Get a cheap code scannerr. I think Kragen has one for $40 or so. I keep popping codes, and knowing what they are makes a world of difference (the one I'm getting now is due to all my diagnostics....)

Also, with your own scanner, you don't have to give blocks of time, just to find out what popped the light.....

Matt

 

can you clear it as well

 

With most of the in expensive " home " scanners you can also clear the codes. I know the one Peter uses does , maby you can message him for the brand as I do not remember it at this time. Also in our area some of the Kragen type stores will read and clear your codes for you at no charge so maby that is an option for you as well.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

can you buy these at Pep boys or some parst store?

 

I use the Peake tool. Bought it from Moss Mini I believe. My MCS automatic kept throwing the O2 code and the SES light was on more than it was off. Drove me nuts - new car with the SES light on was just not right. I got the tool and just reset it every time it came on (at least three times a week) until the firmware update from MINI eliminated the problem. The Peake tool is well worth the $130 or so it runs.

 

Spider I am pretty sure you can get them at Kragen or any big chain store like that. 120 to 130 sounds about rite on price.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

I just bought one from Pep boys for $80. I haven't used it yet but I'm sure it will be fine........I'll post the read out.

 

I got he Carchip from Autozone - not only does codes but does datalogging and charting too - very cool for $100!! Workes with 99% of OBDII cars too, not just limited to your mini.

 

I'd highly recommend the Peake tool instead of a generic OBD-II scanner. The Peake tool picks up the BMW-specific codes, there may be more codes in your engine than just the emissions-related generic OBD-II codes.

 

Is there a website for this instrument?

The code was 0171 which ironically is a lean condition

 

Can you confirm it with an AF monitor?? Hope it isn't right! What is the threshold for lean with that sensor??

 

Bob, PM me and I'll get you hooked up with one of these:



Worth every penny, trust me We used this type of equipment to monitor all the parameters during todays dyno tests. Easily diagnosed eroneous error codes caused by running on a dyno and cleared them. JS was very relieved

 

I use the "Deluxe" (more memory) E/X Davis CarChip (see their web site here) too and have found it very useful. It can record a lot of miles of driving. They now have a USB version that is more "laptop friendly". It logs out any Check Engine faults and the time they happen; this, combined with vehicle speed, engine speed & temperature data can be useful in diagnosing a fault. It can also clear any/all fault lights (after it is plugged back in) :impatient

Pretty nifty tool -- I'm pleased

 

this is wat I use... was like $80 with tax at Autozone. works great, clear codes.


http://www.actron.com/whats_new_detail.php?id=20

 

That is what I bought and it did fine

 

Careful about the use of "any/all". As I mentioned above, a MINI-specific scanner like the Peake will pick up faults that a generic scanner will not. See this example from the VW world:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/dtc-comparison.html

 

For a home-tuner enthusiast like me the cheepo does fine. it's not like i can
go in and fix the car like you guys do after getting all the details wat/not
which tripped the code.

It's more like if I get the same code repeatedly i take it in to get it fixed. :smile:

 

Right, but what I'm saying is your car can have one or more codes that are unable to be read using a generic OBD-II scanner. You wouldn't even know what the codes are if you can't read them.